“Nate is being evaluated as we speak,” he said. “He was very sore on Friday when he had the injury. He went through the process of having an MRI and seeing a specialist. We’ll know more as the week goes on. I would not anticipate him kicking for a while.”

While that is certainly disappointing news, luckily for the Bolts they have Nick Novak here to take his place. Last year’s kicker when Kaeding went down with a season ending injury, Novak had a perfect 2012 debut for the Chargers, converting all three of his field goal attempts from 27, 45 and 47 yards out.

“We had a great performance from Nick Novak to come here and pick up right where he left off from training camp,” said Turner. “It was extremely impressive.”

Novak’s teammates were equally amazed by his performance, and expressed the utmost confidence in having him as their kicker.

“You hate it for Nate [Kaeding] and how he got injured,” said Philip Rivers. “But at the same time you’re thankful that Nick hadn’t been signed yet because the way he kicked last year, all through camp and into the preseason. We’re lucky that he was here in San Diego and available. He could have been anywhere on a Friday afternoon. And he was great. He seemed very comfortable and stepped in.”

Over a five-year career, Novak has converted 49 of 67 field goal attempts during stints with the Chargers, Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Read